The Black Arrow · Character

Joanna Sedley

An heiress disguised as a boy, she matches Dick insult for insult in the dark and saves his life before he ever learns her name.

major

Also known as One Joan Sedley, Joanna, this Joanna, Joanna Sedley, Joan, Mistresse Joan Sedley, Joan Sedley, Joan The

First appearance: book i the two lads

As a major figure in The Black Arrow, Joanna Sedley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Disguised as Master John, asks Dick for directions to Holywood, then escapes from the inn; Sir Daniel orders her capture.

In the storyAt the Sign of the Sun in KettleyOpen this moment free

See Joanna Sedley in At the Sign of the Sun in Kettley Book page

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Joanna Sedley travels as the boy Matcham, hiding from a forced marriage to a man she has never met — who turns out to be the very companion beside her. In the dark of Dick's chamber she confesses her identity and her love in the same breath, brave and quick-tongued even as Sir Daniel's men hammer at the door. Her disguise is both armor and cage, and the tension between what she is and what she must pretend to be drives the middle of the book.

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The fuller portrait of Joanna Sedley sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Joanna Sedley in book i the two lads

Character Web

25 connections

A slice of how Joanna Sedley sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Sir Daniel's Opponents & Allies
Minor Characters & Victims
Protagonist

+20 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the peak of Dick’s psychological tension and decisive act…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Dick Shelton
romantic · positive
Dick falls in love with Joanna after learning her true identity, and they become… How this plays out →
Sir Daniel Brackley
rivalry · negative
Dick Shelton
romantic · positive
Dick falls in love with Joanna after learning her true identity, and they become… How this plays out →
Dick Shelton
romantic · positive
Dick falls in love with Joanna after learning her true identity, and they become… How this plays out →
Sir Daniel Brackley
rivalry · negative
Sir Daniel Brackley
rivalry · negative

Dick Shelton
Dick falls in love with Joanna after learning her true identity, and they become betrothed.
Sir Daniel Brackley
Sir Daniel holds Joanna captive to force her into a marriage, making him her antagonist.
Dick Shelton
Dick falls in love with Joanna after learning her true identity, and they become betrothed.
Dick Shelton
Dick falls in love with Joanna after learning her true identity, and they become betrothed.
Sir Daniel Brackley
Sir Daniel holds Joanna captive to force her into a marriage, making him her antagonist.
Sir Daniel Brackley
Sir Daniel holds Joanna captive to force her into a marriage, making him her antagonist.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Joanna Sedley in book i the two lads

In the story

Joanna Sedley appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

At the Sign of the Sun in Kettley
Disguised as Master John, asks Dick for directions to Holywood, then escapes from the inn; Sir Daniel orders her capture.
II: In the Fen
Mentioned as the intended bride for Dick in a match arranged by Sir Daniel; said to be bemoaning the match.
The Room Over the Chapel
Revealed to be Matcham; confesses her love for Dick and helps him flee.
The Passage
Disguised as a boy named Jack, reveals her identity as a wealthy orphan and her affection for Dick, explaining her history with Sir Daniel and Lord Foxham.
How Dick Changed Sides
Mentioned in Dick's letter as the woman he is bound to wed.
The House by the Shore
Seen by Dick through a window in the house by the shore, dressed in a long embroidered dress.
St. Bride's Cross
Mentioned as the ward of Lord Foxham, promised to Sir John Hamley but also sought by Sir Daniel for Lord Shoreby.
Book IV: The Disguise
Held captive by Sir Daniel, she is rescued by Dick in this chapter.
In Mine Enemies' House
Enters the apartment where Dick is hiding, dressed in costly winter attire.
The Dead Spy
Fears her forced marriage to Lord Shoreby; speaks with Dick and encourages his escape plan.
In the Abbey Church
The bride, pale and distressed; pleads with Earl Risingham to spare Dick, claiming she brought him to Sir Daniel's house.
The Sack of Shoreby
Missing after Sir Daniel's flight; Dick seeks her.
V: Night in the Woods: Alicia Risingham
Mentioned as the object of Dick's unwavering love and loyalty, despite Alicia's advances.
VII: Dick’s Revenge
Dick receives good reports of her on his wedding morning.
Conclusion
Marries Dick Shelton, asserting her desire to be his wife despite Gloucester's offer.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Joanna Sedley unlock in the free preview.

See Joanna Sedley in book i the two lads

See Joanna Sedley in At the Sign of the Sun in Kettley